Jackson Narrows Marine Provincial Park

Jackson Narrows Marine Provincial Park encompasses 71 hectares at the eastern end of Jackson Passage, on the central coast of British Columbia.

A small bay at the western end provides an adequate, comfortable anchorage for small boats. Another favoured stopping place is Rescue Bay, located just east of the narrows. The park lies between Mathieson and Fitz Hugh channels, and offers a shortcut to and from Klemtu, located to the west of Swindle Island.

A trip through the 65-foot wide Jackson Narrows, strewn with rocks, drying reefs and kelp, is a highlight for many cruisers navigating the Inside Passage to or from Alaska. Transit is recommended at high slack tide only.

As you cruise through the waters near the park, watch for orcas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, seals and other marine mammals. Watch for Columbia black-tailed deer, mink and wolves on shore.

Fishing and diving is popular at the park. Enjoy identifying the weird and wonderful creatures of the intertidal zone when the tide is low, including sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, chitons, sea stars, molluscs, urchins and multicoloured algae.

Jackson Narrows Marine Provincial Park is located 148 miles (236 km) south of Prince Rupert, at the east end of Jackson Passage as it joins Mathieson Channel. The park can only be accessed by boat. Supplies are available at Klemtu, located to the west on Swindle Island. The nearest community with road access is Bella Coola.

Biographical Info

Awaken to the song of the Humpback whale. Fall asleep beneath the hushed canopy of a temperate rainforest. Fill your days whale-watching, kayaking with Orcas, observing sea lions romp through an underwater forest of kelp, and eagles fishing along the shore. Linger over lunch on a deserted island, scanning the horizon for signs of Orca activity.

Sign up for Ecosummer’s guided Orca Camps to kayak in the realm of Killer Whales. Explore the rainforest, hiking to waterfalls, or along ancient First Nation trails. Marvel when dolphins swim so close you wish you could reach out and touch them. Tune in to the rhythm of the tides. Escape the hubbub of your everyday world and restore life’s equilibrium on the shores of BC’s Johnstone Strait, one of the best places to whale-watch in all of British Columbia. Paddle the same waters as these gentle giants on three, four, or six-day kayaking adventures with Ecosummer Expeditions for a family vacation you’ll always remember.